Tampa Bay Buccaneers

October 31, 1985|By Jerry Greene of the Sentinel staff

THIS WEEK: The Bucs (0-8) start their ''second season'' on the road Sunday against the New York Giants (5-3), who are favored by 12 points. The Giants lead the series, 5-3, and are 3-0 against Tampa Bay in the Meadowlands. Amazingly, all three games have been won by New York by the score of 17-14. Last year the Giants won at home, and the Bucs won at home, 20-17. It was after the game in Giants Stadium that LB Lawrence Taylor said, ''James Wilder is the best back I've ever played against in my life.''

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Bucs reached their 45-man roster limit by signing LB Dennis Johnson, waived Tuesday by Minnesota. Johnson, a six-year veteran drafted out of Southern Cal, started every game last year and six games this year. Against San Diego last year, Johnson had 19 tackles. He is 27 years old, 6 feet 3 and weighs 235 pounds. A fourth-round draft choice in 1980, Johnson started 51 games for the Vikings in 5 1/2 seasons. Johnson and offensive tackle Wally Kersten, who was signed Tuesday, fill roster spots vacated by kick returner Leon Bright and tackle George Yarno. . . . Sean Farrell, Bucs starting right guard who missed last week's game with a hamstring pull, worked out Wednesday at left tackle. Farrell, listed as questionable, is expected to start at left tackle -- which means his primary assignment will be stopping Leonard Marshall and Lawrence Taylor. . . . Starting inside linebackers Scot Brantley (hip) and Jeff Davis (groin) are questionable as is Wilder (ankle). All are expected to play.

COMING UP: While none would admit it, many persons connected with the Bucs are pointing to the Nov. 10 home game against St. Louis as the first victory. The Cards, already depressed by their 3-5 record, will be coming off a Monday night game against Dallas and could have trouble getting up for the Bucs.